Global network of (transboundary) basins working on climate change adaptation
Despite uncertainties, climate change impacts are evident in many regions in the world and some of the effects are
already visible. The frequency of disaster of extreme climatic events worldwide increased by 187 percent in the period
2000-2006 compared with the previous decade. Increasing floods and droughts pose a challenge to water managers
around the globe. As many rivers in the world cross political boundaries, water managers in transboundary basins are
faced with a double uncertainty. On the one hand they face uncertainty regarding the impacts of climate change on water
resources and, on the other hand, uncertainty regarding the possible adaptation measures implemented by other riparian
countries. This brings about the risk that unilateral adaptation measures, such as the construction of dams or flood
protection infrastructure, could have negative effects on neighbouring countries. Transboundary cooperation is therefore
necessary to prevent negative impacts of unilateral activities and to support the coordination of adaptation measures at
the river-basin level. Furthermore, combining efforts helps to find better, more cost effective solutions. The UNECE
Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention)
provides a sound framework for transboundary cooperation also in the context of adaptation to climate change.
Based on the previous pilot projects on climate change adaptation in transboundary basins under the UNECE Water
Convention, a Global Network of Basins Working on Climate Change has been created in 2013. The creation of this
Network is one of the outcomes of the Sixth World Water Forum and coordinated by UNECE and the International
Network of Basin Organizations (INBO).
The network of basins currently includes: the Amur/Argun/International Dauria Protected Area; the Chu Talas; the Congo;
the Danube; the Dniester; the Drin; the Meuse; the Mekong; the Neman; the Niger; the Rhine; the Sava; the Senegal; the
Tonle Sap; and the Upper Paraguay; as well as the Northern Sahara aquifer system.
Built upon the principles of the Guidance on
Water and Adaptation to Climate Change 1,
the Network aims at promoting cooperation on
adaptation to climate change in transboundary
basins, comparing different methodologies and
approaches for adapting to climate change, and
promoting a shared vision between the
participating basins. While the new basins
primarily work on their adaptation activities
themselves in accordance with the agreed
decisions of their governing bodies or with the
terms of reference of international projects, the
network enables the exchange of experience,
learning from each other, establishing contacts
between basins and their experts, discussing
challenges and lessons learned.
The Network includes the organization of regular
annual meetings of the Task Force on Water
and Climate, international workshops, and regular meetings of core group on pilot projects.
1
http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/env/water/publications/documents/Guidance_water_climate.pdf
A collection of good practices and lessons learned will be one of the essential outcomes of the Global Network. The
collection of lessons learned will be developed as a complement to the Guidance on Water and Adaptation to Climate
Change. This collection will be a compilation, analysis and synthesis of existing knowledge, experience, lessons learned
and good practices on climate change adaptation in transboundary basins, based on the Convention’s pilot projects and
other similar activities. The final product will be elaborated and published in cooperation with partner organizations and it
will be presented to the next World Water Forum in 2015 in the Republic of Korea.
Call for action:
New basins are welcome to join the growing network. Contributions and case studies for the collection of lessons learned
and good practices are welcome.
Information: For more information please visit: http://live.unece.org/env/water/water_climate_activ.html or
Contact:
Ms. Sonja Koeppel:
Sonja.koeppel@unece.org
Tel: +417 22 917 1218
Mr. Daniel Valensuela
d.valensuela@oieau.fr
Tel: +33610153398